Iain Lynn

Storm Aileen is the first named storm of the season. Here are some of the key questions and answers about the naming of storms.

:: Why do we name storms?

How are the names chosen?

The Met Office and Met Eireann launched the scheme in 2015 to name storms as part of efforts to raise awareness of extreme weather events in the UK and Ireland and prompt people to take action to prevent harm to themselves and their property.

:: How are the names chosen?

The public have been able to make suggestions for names to Met Office, which are then combined with names from Met Eireann, for a full list announced at the beginning of the storm season in early autumn.

:: What is the format for the list of names?

The list of monikers is drawn up in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names. Storms are not named using the letters Q, U, X, Y or Z in line with international naming conventions, and names associated with storms which have caused a loss of life elsewhere in the world are not used.

:: When does bad weather get a name?

A storm is named when it is deemed to have the potential to cause medium or high impacts on the UK and/or Ireland, so weather systems where an amber or red warning is expected to be issued by Met Eireann and/or the Met Office will get a name.